About This PhD Project

Project Description

This PhD project offers a multidisciplinary research environment including training in magnetic resonance and molecular dynamics. We study the architecture and functional dynamics of membrane proteins, many medically relevant. Special interest is on large multi-subunit complexes such as transporter systems and their interaction with intra-cellular signalling pathways. There is increasing evidence that membrane proteins do not act alone, but that they are organised as nano-machineries which function through the concerted action of individual components with high precision and specificity observed in both time and space.

We are seeking to unravel the principles underlying the architecture and dynamics of these protein nano-machineries as well as their function and regulation. Our experimental approach focuses on the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopies in combination with advanced molecular dynamics techniques (MD) to underpin the experimental observations to provide a dynamic description of function.

This project addresses the important theme of transport across biological membrane through the study of a specific amino acid transporter LeuT which is a member of the SLC6 transporter family, a structural homologue of the human neurotransmitter transporters implicated in several diseased states including depression, anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Recent static crystal structures have suggested large scale conformational changes and we aim to probe the functional dynamics of the protein using a combination of state-of-the-art magnetic resonance techniques and molecular dynamics simulations.

Funding Notes

This PhD project is offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. Details of tuition fees can be found at View Website.

A bench fee is also payable on top of the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research. The amount charged annually will vary considerably depending on the nature of the project and applicants should contact the primary supervisor for further information about the fee associated with the project.